The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is working closely with the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to assess possible legal charges related to the recent fire at the Navotas sanitary landfill, which has affected air quality and residents' health in Metro Manila.
The Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) announced it is coordinating with the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to explore potential legal remedies connected to the fire incident at the Navotas sanitary landfill. The fire, which started on April 10, has impacted air quality and public health in Navotas and neighboring Metro Manila communities. According to DENR, these agencies are ensuring all legal bases are covered to hold accountable those responsible for the incident.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla stated that they are currently studying who may be held liable. The DENR emphasized that accountability likely lies with the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) holder or the company that signed the Sworn Statement of Accountability, which guarantees that the landfill is safe and compliant with environmental regulations.
The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the DENR has issued a Notice of Violation (NOV) against the landfill operator, primarily for failing to submit and implement the Safe Closure and Rehabilitation Plan and Abandonment Plan. These documents are critical to outlining the management of the site as operations cease, including fire prevention strategies to mitigate methane gas build-up, a common cause of landfill fires.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) reported that the fire is approximately 80% contained and anticipates full extinguishment within four to five days. The DENR and its partner agencies continue to monitor the situation and pursue proper legal action to address the incident and its consequences, with a focus on protecting public health and the environment.
Sources referenced:
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/metro/986720/denr-working-with-osg-dilg-studying-possible-charges-over-navotas-landfill-fire/story/
